World-class industry experts lead the Corporate Director Academy’s faculty with a wealth of knowledge and experience in corporate governance, leadership, and boardroom dynamics.
Our faculty members have worked with and served on:
Meet Our Expert Faculty
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
As the visionary founder of the Corporate Director Academy, DeForest B. Soaries Jr. leverages his extensive experience and wisdom gained from serving on numerous corporate boards. Recognized as a respected corporate leader, DeForest brings his unparalleled expertise in governance, strategy, and leadership to the forefront of the Academy’s mission. With a deep commitment to advancing diversity, inclusivity, and ethical decision-making in boardrooms, he has established the Corporate Director Academy as a transformative platform for empowering aspiring corporate directors. Through his guidance and insights, DeForest is dedicated to equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex path to boardroom excellence.
Board History
Former New Jersey Secretary of State
Former Chair of United States Election Assistance Submission
Private For Profit Board Member of:
Independent Director for Uncommon Giving
Compensation Chair Board Member of:
Ocwen Financial Corp. (NYSE: OCN)
Independence Realty Trust (NYSE: IRT)
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
Not for Profit Boards:
RWJ Barnabas Health
NJ Chamber of Ecommerce
Delta Dental Information
dfree Global Foundation
Donna M. Hughes, JD, ACC
Donna M. Hughes, JD, ACC, is a credentialed executive coach, business owner, former chief human resources officer, and legal executive. She has 25 years of senior leadership experience, including roles in Fortune 500 global organizations and a multibillion-dollar not-for-profit organization, spanning the healthcare, life sciences, and retail sectors.
Throughout her career, Donna has led teams through pivotal moments of massive change, including mergers and acquisitions resulting in
double-digit growth, business turnarounds, crises, and winddowns. In addition, Donna has worked closely with corporate boards of directors as a regular presenter at board meetings and as the management lead to the executive compensation and nominating and governance
committees.
With her experience and passion for coaching leaders, Donna founded Hughes Solutions, LLC, an executive coaching and advisory firm. The firm has coached senior leaders, C-suite executives, and corporate directors from a myriad of industries, helping them to make behavioral shifts
necessary to achieve their aspirations and be more effective in their
corporate roles.
Donna received her Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law-Newark and her Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers College, Rutgers University. She is ACC-certified with the International Coaching Federation.
Kwabena Yamoah, MA, MPA, LPC, NCC
Kwabena Yamoah is a driven, multifaceted individual with unique skill sets as he supports the
professional needs of executives. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. at Oregon State
University, he brings a distinguished academic background, having completed earlier education with two master’s
degrees – one each from Northwestern University and Kean
University, along with a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University.
With a nearly 20-year federal service career managing over $500M in appropriated funding, Kwabena partnered and spearheaded the assessment and development of international training such as
prevention of public corruption and human trafficking, offered his strategic insights for executive leadership as an organizational
consultant, and effectively managed nationwide programs in domestic violence and also immigration services.
Kwabena’s professional pursuits extend to his national
board-certified clinical therapist role,
underscoring his commitment to scholarly research, personal growth, and well-being. As the
President of a cutting-edge virtual reality company, he is developing VR technology to revolutionize counseling, which will further impact countless lives.
Finally, for over 23 years, Kwabena has presented as a passionate advocate by helping individuals achieve their aspirations as a resume writer and coach. Kwabena resides in central New Jersey with his wife Natasha and two daughters.
Stay informed.
Get the latest corporate governance and business leadership insights in your inbox.